PNM PLANTS

Maha Sabha head accuses Opposition of hiring two generations of civil servants to block other govts

Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha secretary-general Sat Maharaj is confident the People’s Partnership Government would properly and equitably deliver resources if given a second term in office.

Maharaj said the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led Government had successfully delivered across the country.

Speaking at the Maha Sabha’s Indian Arrival Day celebrations in Debe yesterday, Maharaj said for the past 50 years all major developments have taken place north of the Caroni River.

“And every time an effort is made to develop the rest of Trinidad and Tobago, there is an outcry. But what is south of the Caroni River? All the oil wells that produce the wealth, the Pitch Lake. So all the wealth from Central and South must go to develop only the North. That is the philo­sophy of Eric Williams and the PNM,” he said.

Maharaj pointed out the turn of events that occurred when the People’s Partnership Government assumed office.

He said, “I want to point out to you what is taking place in this Debe and Penal catchment. I am saying that within a few years, Debe will be an extension of San Fernando. I want to thank the Prime Minister and her Cabinet for equitably distributing the wealth of this country. All we ask for is equity. Don’t give us more than you give anybody else.”

Maharaj said previous governments have tried to spread the wealth, but failed because of the People’s National Movement (PNM) civil servants planted in all sectors.

“The battle has now begun. Any government that gets into office for the full five years, you can’t do anything because the civil servants [lock] you in. Robinson could not last more than five years, Panday couldn’t last more than five years because you got to get past the civil servants who have been planted there by the PNM. They plant two generations of civil ser­vants to block you. So I am saying this Government must get its second five-year to properly deliver,” he said.

Persad-Bissessar, who participated in the Indian Arrival Day procession which ended at Parvati Girls’ College, said her People’s Partnership Government was the only administration to invest in evert part of Trinidad and Tobago.

“Anywhere of the country you go, you will see development taking place. So do not get fooled with the rhetoric that my Government is only interested in developing certain parts of Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar paid tribute to Maharaj for his determination. She described him as a fearless fighter and warrior. “He has shown us that you must speak when you can and where you can. You must not remain docile and afraid. You are a citizen of this land just like every other citizen,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar presented the Maha Sabha with two cheques totalling $750,000 to offset expenses for the Indian Arrival Day celebrations.

And as he thanked Persad-Bissessar for the financial contribution, Maharaj noted it was not the same value as other sectors have received for hosting similar celebrations. He said the money would go toward the Maha Sabha schools. “All we ask is equity,” he said.